1. Mechanical Systems Technician (MST) Requirements For Advancement
The following presentation is intended to explain the MST banding process for advancement in the MST family. 1

2. MST I
The following job specific positions currently fall into the MST I family… 1. Indoor Air Quality Technician 2. Sheet Metal Mechanic 3. Heating Mechanic I 4. Firebrick Repairer/Insulator 2

3. MST I (cont.)
Requirements for the MST I position to advance to the MST II position:
Possesses basic computer knowledge.
Successfully complete at least two basic computer training classes.
Successfully complete at least two career development classes.
Provide documentation of training and experience in the MST II trade that you are working on.
Must pass both a written and hands on skills test for the MST II trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC.
Note: Boiler and HVAC require a specific certification/ license that must be obtained PRIOR to taking the hands on skills test. 3

4. MST I (cont.) 1. BASIC COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE Hardware knowledge
Power on/off, keyboard layout, mouse skills
Familiar with Microsoft application software, such as Outlook, Word, and Internet Explorer
Ability to send, receive, read, print and forward
Ability to print documents
Ability to use the menu bar
Ability to search the Internet 4

5. MST I (cont.)
2. Successfully complete at least two basic computer training classes.
Classes can be found online at the MCPS Professional Development Online System:
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 5

6. MST I (cont.)
3. Successfully complete at least two career development classes.
Classes can be found online at the MCPS Professional Development Online System:
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 6

7. MST I (cont.)
4. Provide documentation of training and experience in the MST II trade that you are working on.
Trade recognized courses pertaining to the MST II trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC.
Approximately 600 hours of time logged into the MCPS Maximo work order system as it applies to the duties of the selected MST II trade. 7

8. MST I (cont.)
5. Must pass both a written and hands on skills test for the MST II trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC.
Note: Boiler and HVAC require a specific certification/ license that must be obtained PRIOR to taking the hands on skills test.
Must successfully complete one year at the MST II level before advancing to the next level. 8

9. MST II
The following job specific positions currently fall into the MST II job family…. 1. Plumber - new skill: Boiler or HVAC 2. Gas Mechanic - new skill: Boiler or HVAC 9

10. MST II (continued)
Requirements for the MST II position to advance to the MST III position:
Successfully complete at least two intermediate computer training classes.
Successfully complete at least two career development classes.
Successfully complete at least two supervisory development classes.
Provide documentation of training and experience in the MST III trade that you are working on.
Must pass both written and hands on skills test for the MST III trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC.
Note: Boiler and HVAC require a specific certification/ license that must be obtained PRIOR to taking the hands on skills test. 10

11. MST II (continued)
1. Successfully complete at least two intermediate computer classes.
Classes can be found online at the MCPS Professional Development Online System:
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 11

12. MST II (continued)
2. Successfully complete at least two career development classes.
Classes can be found online at the MCPS Professional Development Online System:
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 12

13. MST II (continued)
3. Successfully complete at least two supervisory development classes.
Classes can be found in the employees Professional Development Opportunities (PDO) program (completion of the current Director’s Leadership Training Series, Basic and/or Intermediate, is acceptable).
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 13

14. MST II (continued)
4. Provide documentation of training and experience in trade related work as an MST III
Trade recognized courses pertaining to MST III trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC.
Approximately 600 hours of time logged into the MCPS Maximo work order system as it applies to the duties of the selected MST III trade. 14

15. MST II (continued)
5. Must pass both written and hands on skills test on the MST III trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC.
Note: Boiler and HVAC require a specific certification/ license that must be obtained PRIOR to taking the hands on skills test.
You will not be tested on your current job specific trade.
Must successfully complete one year at the MST III level before advancing to the next level. 15

16. MST III
The following job specific positions fall into the MST III job family.
Boiler Mechanic new skill: HVAC
Heating Mechanic II new skill: HVAC
Plumber II new skill: HVAC
Refrigeration Mechanic - new skill: Boiler 16

17. MST III (continued)
Requirements for the MST III position to advance to the MST IV position.
Successfully complete at least two advanced computer training classes.
Successfully complete at least two career development classes.
Successfully complete at least two supervisory development classes.
Provide documentation of training and experience in the MST IV trade that you are working on.
Must pass both written and hands on skills test for the MST IV trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC (Third trade needed will differ for each employee.
Note: Boiler and HVAC require a specific certification/ license that must be obtained PRIOR to taking the hands on skills test. 17

18. MST III (continued)
Successfully complete at least two advanced computer classes.
Classes can be found online at the MCPS Professional Development Online System:
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 18

19. MST III (continued)
2. Successfully complete at least two career development classes.
Classes can be found online at the MCPS Professional Development Online System:
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 19

20. MST III (continued)
3. Successfully complete at least two supervisory development classes.
Classes can be found online at the MCPS Professional Development Online System:
(completion of the current Director’s Leadership Training Series, Basic and Intermediate is acceptable).
Other external classes will be considered with proper management approval.
MUST be completed within the last 2 years. 20

21. MST III (continued)
4. Provide documentation of training and experience in the MST IV trade that you are working on.
Recognized courses pertaining to the MST IV trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC
Third trade needed will differ for each employee.
Approximately 600 hours of time logged into the MCPS Maximo work order system as it applies to the duties of the selected MST IV trade. 21

22. MST III (continued)
5. Must pass both written and hands on skills test for the MST IV trade that you are working on; Plumbing, Boiler or HVAC
- Third trade needed will differ for each employee.
Note: Boiler and HVAC require a specific certification/ license that must be obtained PRIOR to taking the hands on skills test.
You will not be tested on your current job specific trades. 22

23. Testing Outline
The following slides list examples of the topics and skills that an employee will be tested and must pass to advance to the selected trade. 23

24. MST Plumbing Written and Hands on skills test
Plumbing fundamentals & safety
Materials; uses and specifications
Traps, interceptors & backwater valves
Water supply systems
Backflow prevention
Drain, waste & vent systems
Gas appliances & piping
Plumbing mathematics
Blueprints and schematics 24

25. MST Boiler Test (written portion)
No written test conducted by MCPS.
Must successfully obtain a minimum of a Grade 4 Maryland Stationary Engineers license.
Courses are available to help you prepare; look in the MCPS PDO program or at the local community colleges in your area. 25

26. MST Boiler Hands on skills test
Electrical knowledge & safety
Blueprints and schematics
Materials applications and installation
Piping, valves and fittings
Testing and troubleshooting
Heating equipment
Fuel/Oil systems
Systems operation and maintenance
Hangers and supports
Theory and types 26

27. MST HVAC
Before the MST family member can take any portion of the HVAC test he/she must first obtain an EPA approved Universal Refrigerant and Recovery Certification as required by 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F. 27

28. MST HVAC Written and Hands on skills test
Electrical knowledge & theory
Blueprints & schematics
Testing & troubleshooting
System operation
Equipment & components
HVAC safety
Refrigerants
Pneumatic controls
Ventilation requirements 28

29. TESTING
All necessary criteria must be met by the Mechanical Systems Technician before any tests are conducted for advancement into the next level.
Written and Hands on skills test are conducted once a year in June.
Advancement will be effective after completing one full successful year at the new MST level. 29